International Basketball Championships 27 - IC Thread

by **Free Republics** » Sat Apr 27, 2019 5:40 am

Free Republics National Basketball Team

Head Coach - Leon Alexeyeva
Shooting Coach - Mason Dugdale
Defensive Coach - Eric Abend
Bench Coach - Charlie Charlton
Conditioning Coach - Carmine Fernandez
Centers Coach - Rajko Ivanovic
Forwards Coach - Mark Bertelsen
Guards Coach - Peverell Avare
Coach - Tom Fraser
Coach - Adam Steffensen
Colors - Blue and White

Starting Lineup

PG - #1 "Queen" Patricia Thibodeau (19, 5 foot 8)
SG - #23 Demeter Moricz (25, 6 foot 5)
SF - #46 Jasenko Markovic (26, 6 foot 6)
PF - #17 Edan Osorio (26, 6 foot 10)
C - #11 Brandon Owens (25, 7 foot 3)

Bench

G - #37 Markus Herrmann (34, 6 foot 2)
G - #7 Rodolfo Udinesi (35, 6 foot 4)
G - #50 Emanuel Saldana (35, 5 foot 11)
G - #9 Joakim Lindqvist (26, 6 foot 3)
G - #91 Fortunato Mancini (37, 5 foot 8)
G - #18 Toby Kirton (30, 6 foot 3)
G - #15 Omer Rogljic (34, 6 foot 2)
F - #61 Calum Martin (37, 6 foot 7)
F - #81 Kaleb Jones (33, 6 foot 9)
F - #63 Sebastian Weiss (31, 6 foot 8)
F - #92 Marius Bertelsen (30, 6 foot 10)
F - #3 Tosh Rasmussen (29, 6 foot 7)
F - #10 Leo Livingstone (31, 6 foot 8)
C - #27 Rami Nystrom (37, 7 foot 1)
C - #13 Taj Mikluho (34, 6 foot 11)
C - #32 Ethan Hewitt (31, 7 foot 0)

Unis (Made by St. Kanye)

Arenas

NOTE: These won't be used at this IBC but were left in for possible future use.

Arena - Venicio Piazza Memorial Arena
Arena Location - Republica, Republica District
Arena Capacity - 33,202

Arena - Fanucci Escorts Arena
Arena Location - Falatulu, Toakameau
Arena Capacity - 13,666

Arena - Johnston Marijuana Company Arena
Arena Location - Latroit, Yorkoba
Arena Capacity - 18,303

Arena - SuperSatellite Arena
Arena Location - New City, Orlandiana
Arena Capacity - 28,303

Arena - Indoor Sports Palace
Arena Location - Baseton, Amolotopia
Arena Capacity - 23,412

Additional information on these arenas can be found here.

RP Permissions

I give my opponent permission to:
Choose my pointscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
Give my players fouls: Y
Foul my players out: Y
Give injuries to my players: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: Y
Godmod other events: Y

by **Free Republics** » Sat Apr 27, 2019 6:21 am

Sporting World

IBC 27: Preview
by: Judith Mattsson

Two years ago, the Queen of Basketball, Patricia Thibodeau, led the Republican National Team to third place in the IBC. Last year, the IBC was on hiatus due to the Olympics as the Republicans won 3 medals in basketball, including a gold in men's 3x3 basketball and silvers in women's 3x3 and regular men's basketball. A surprise upset loss to Laeral knocked the women, led by the Queen, out of the Olympics in the quarterfinals but their performance at the Olympics showed that the Free Republics are emerging as a basketball power.

This draws into question coach Leon Alexeyeva's decision to leave the roster from the previous IBC intact. Coach Alexeyeva told Sporting World that, "We made it to the semifinals a couple years ago with our young starting lineup and our veteran bench. We're going to stick with the horses that brought us to this point because we can't afford to take risks with this team's chemistry while we're chasing a championship." Basketball fans across the Free Republics have been questioning this decision ever since the rosters were announced.

Internationally, there are many people questioning whether the Free Republics is any good at basketball, due to the mediocre at best performance of our NSCAA schools. However, it should be noted that the RCAA Tournament was unexpectedly rescheduled for the same days as the NSCAA because, for some mysterious reason, nobody could remember if the original RCAA tournament had taken place and no footage of it has been found. After their embarrassing screwup, the RCAA ordered all schools to field their best teams in the RCAA tournament or face sanctions up to and including the death penalty. Because of this, Republican schools had no choice but to send their B teams to the NSCAA.

Coming into this IBC tied for 4th, the Republicans will open against 15th ranked Lisander and will conclude both round robins against 20th ranked Greater Vakolicci Haven. While they are still listed under the Greater Vakolicci Haven name, it could very well be a team from Velstrania or from Vaklocci Haven and Celeria as they've been competing separately in international competition of late. The remainder of the group will consist of unranked nations, none of whom have much history in international sports. As usual, the real excitement will have to wait until the playoffs, which are returning to a best of 3 format this year, because the group stage will likely be a glorified preseason for the Free Republics and other top seeded nations.

Judith Mattsson is Sporting World's international basketball correspondent. She was hired by Editor-In-Chief Nova Hellstrom-Hancock based on her reputation, built on 10 years prior experience, as a capable sports journalist in general and her basketball expertise in particular.

by **Filindostan** » Sat Apr 27, 2019 10:58 am

FILINDOSTAN
National Basketball Team
International Basketball Championships 27

The Samahang Basketbol ng Filindostan (SBF) is pleased to present the Filindostan National basketball team, to compete in the 27th International Basketball Championships, hosted in Abaja and Filindostan. After another strong showing, this time in front of their home crowd, they will look to exceed their best performance and advance to the semi-finals for the first time. Coach Ciot has an astounding 79.17 winning percentage in the IBC, and looks like any coach that would succeed the 47-year old will struggle to match the feat that he made in two seasons.

About the Samahang Basketbol ng Filindostan

The Samahang Basketbol ng Filindostan (SBF) was founded after they split from the Filindostani National Sports Commission (FNSC), citing the FNSC's tainted image during the Multiverse Boxing Organization boxing tournament and the budget cut the agency suffered. They were the first agency to split from the FNSC and will oversee the development of Filindostani basketball as well as the Filindostani Basketball Association.

The SBF's headquarters are located in San Marco, Filindostan, adjacent to the International Union of Basketball Clubs (IUBC) headquarters, and is headed by Charito "Charie" Pamungkas.

Nickname: Pula Agilas (Red Eagles)
First Match: vs Ethane (64-81, IBC 24 group stage, Filindostan)
First Win: at Banija (95-87, IBC 24 group stage, Banija)
Overall Record (latest): 27-9 (75.00% WPCT)

Head Coach: Protacio "CIOT" Santos, Male, 47
Assistant Coach: ANITA Tanjing, Female, 38
Shooting Coach: Ronilo "MCBUCKETS" Mac Arthur, Male, 40
Defensive Coach: Michelle "CHEL" Abunda, Female, 42
Coach: Pocholo "CHOL" Lekatompessy, Male, 47
Coach: ANNAMARIAFE Weici, Female, 52
Coach: Enriko "ENRI" Batagliga, Male, 57
Captain: Ricard "Ricki" RICAFORT, Male, 32
Vice-Captain: Stella Arielle "Star" Delos Santos-STRAUSS, Female, 30

Playing Squad

In Filindostan, people are often called by their nickname. Some players opt to put their nickname instead of the customary last name in their jerseys.

Centers

51 | C     | Harry Rigobert "Hari" SMITH                  | M | 27 | 7'2"  | St.Patrick Saints (HUD)
88 | C/PF  | Paul PARDOSI                                 | M | 25 | 6'7"  | Fortunas
 1 | C/PF  | Angelica Marie "Angge" RITONGA               | F | 31 | 6'8"  | Fortunas
Hari, a very tall player from Venividicci, will be the starting center for this bunch of guys and gals. Height has been a big issue in Filindostan, with lack of talented big men plaguing Filindostani basketball. The lack of height of the centers are being compensated by their three point shooting and a pesky brand of in your face defense. Paul is a unique three and D center. His only problem is how to handle foul trouble, something that he has not figured out yet while at UTP-J. He is expected to be in the second unit with Angge being the backup should both centers run into foul trouble.
Forwards

15 | SF    | Hedder Sandro FRIAS                          | M | 32 | 6'5"  | Venividicci 
55 | SF/SG | Stella Arielle "Star" Delos Santos-STRAUSS   | F | 30 | 6'4"  | Fortunas 
 9 | PF/SF | Immanuel "Iman" SIDEBANG                     | M | 26 | 6'6"  | Perokojak Kota Jakulta
 6 | PF    | Antonio Ernie "Anteny" BASADA                | M | 34 | 6'6"  | Venividicci 
82 | PF/SF | Nanda SUNGKAR                                | F | 23 | 6'7"  | Fortunas
79 | C/PF  | Firman DJWA                                  | M | 24 | 6'9"  | Perotapam Massakar
The star of the team is Sandro. His athletic wingspan enables him to block opposing teams' shots, and was dubbed "The Flyswatter" by the Filindostani media. His offensive game is also ridiculous, as he can slash into the opponents' paint and either perform a difficult reverse layup, or, as most times, posterize opposing defenders and getting that and-one. Star is very reliable on three point shooting and can slot in the shooting guard position despite her being used as a small forward while at Fortunas. She's the younger sister of Domo of the Pula Garuda and the Fortunas football team. Iman, Anteny and Keturah are serviceable backups but nothing notable is known about the three.
Guards                                           

 8 | PG/SG | Ricard "Ricki" RICAFORT                      | M | 32 | 6'2'  | Fortunas
 3 | SG    | Jennyfer "Jenny" FARIAS                      | F | 27 | 6'3'  | Venividicci  
21 | PG    | Abdel NAHUSULY                               | M | 31 | 5'11' | Perotapam Massakar
 0 | SG/SF | Romarie "Roma" SAN MARTIN                    | F | 36 | 6'3'  | Perodos Bandariyan
 7 | PG    | Jose Maria "Joma" ESTRADA                    | M | 22 | 5'10' | Perokojak Kota Jakulta
11 | SG    | Princess "Ces" CORD                          | F | 22 | 5'11' | Perokojak Kota Jakulta
Joma, being still in collegiate basketball, is the surprise addition for coach Ciot. The speedy point guard from UF impressed the coaching staff enough for him to be included in the lineup. However it is Ricki, the captain of the team, that will be the floor general for the Pula Agilas. Jenny is the three point specialist of the team and she could be streaky - once she gets hot - which she is anatomically, it's hard for her to stop. However, her weakness is once she gets into a shooting slump, her entire game is being wasted with a string of bricked shots and airballs. Abdel is a hot headed speedy guard for coach Ciot, and has a short temper. He usually starts fights, but he's able to make his opponent be ejected (along with him) with his antics. Roma and Esau will mostly be subbed in during garbage time or when the game is essentially over, win or lose.

Home Venue/s

ISMART ANETTA COLISEUM
San Marco, Filindostan
Capacity 21,000

The Anetta Coliseum is one of the oldest sporting venues in Filindostan. Built in 89965, the arena has hosted multiple Filindostani referendums, basketball league games, concerts, boxing matches, and Hastags concerts. This is also a designated venue for the IUBC in the event of no host bids from other countries. Located in the city center and a train station dedicated to it, the arena is one of the most accessible sport venues in Filindostan. The arena is sponsored by Ismart, one of the biggest telecommunications company in the nation.

All of Filindostan's home games will take place at this arena. The arena security is very strict and tight, but with the right price, contrabands (illegal items) can be smuggled into the arena, save for explosive devices and deadly weapons. Games are usually jampacked, as this sport is the most popular in the Filindostani capital.

Depth Chart and Tendencies

Depth Chart
The below depth chart will be the most likely used by coach Ciot bar injuries, suspensions and sent-homes. Specialized lineups may be used in case of foul trouble or a stroke of strategy genius.
Position Starters Bench Reserve
C Hari Paul Angge
PF Iman Anteny Firman
SF Sandro S Keturah
SG Star Jenny Esau
PG Ricki Abdel Joma

The second unit usually enter the game three minutes before the first quarter ends, but can enter as late as the last few seconds of the first quarter. The third unit enter the game when Filindostan is already leading by a very large margin (35+) by the end of third or if they have a large deficit (25+) going into the last five minutes of the game. Usually the starters finish the game.

Specialized lineups
Small ball: Paul - Sandro - Star - Jenny - Ricki
Three ball: Paul - Sandro - Star - Jenny - Abdel
Tall: Hari - Paul - Iman - Roma - Ricki

Tendencies
Due to the lack of height of the Filindostani team, they compensate what they lack by three point shooting and pesky defense. However, if needed, they may take the foot on the gas pedal and quicken the pace of the game, shooting the ball within ten to twelve seconds of possession. The team bar Sandro prefers perimeter shooting over layups and dunks - their favorite play is the pick and pop where the center or power forward screens for the shooter to eliminate the defender and create good looks at the basket. Defensively they play a 2-3 zone, sometimes switching to a man-to-man when the ball is outside the three point line. This switch takes the toll on the players, so it is rarely done on a regular basis.

The team does not react well on bad calls. Coach Ciot has a reputation to hoard technical fouls and ejections, costing the SBF money for fines. Players, particularly Abdel, can also go out of control due to bad calls.

Uniforms

Filindostani apparel maker NNS supplies Pula Agilas' jerseys, as with most of the national teams of Filindostan. An all red with black and white semi-horizontal stripes is their primary, while in case of color clashes, they use their white alternate with red and black semi-horizontal stripes.

Team RP and Permissions

The below information will help teams RP against my team in case they RP first.

Most likely to... (in order)

Score big: Sandro, Star, Ricki
Score a buzzer beater: Star, Jenny, Sandro
Posterize opposing defenders: Sandro, Hari
Get a technical: Star, Abdel, Ciot
Be ejected: Ciot, Star, Sandro
Be fouled out: Ricki, Paul, Hari
Take the last shot/Score the winning basket: Ricki, Sandro, Star
Be posterized: Star, Iman, Farida
Get hot and shoot three after three: Jenny, Joma, Abdel

Fans
Filindostani fans are double-edged swords - sometimes they are most passionate fans in Filindostan, sometimes, they can be compared to the worst of internet trolls. Around five thousand diehard fans will travel to the host nation to watch their team play - but they usually bring their megaphones and flares with them - they somehow make it past the guards. Some fans are crazy enough to invade the arena and cause match delays. The special thing about Filindostani basketball fans is that when the basketball team host their hated rival or a team well below the standings, they bring kangkong (water spinach) with them and chant it all throughout the team introductions.
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose Scoring Events: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: No
RP Injuries to my Players: Yes - I'll determine the severity
Godmod Injuries to my Players: No - No deaths or career-ending injuries
Foul my players out: Yes
Eject my pleyers: Yes - Make sure to eject at least one of yours too if done
Eject my head coach: Yes
Godmod Other Events: No

by **Filindostan** » Sat Apr 27, 2019 11:03 am

And so it begins! Who will begin their campaign like a dream and who will start theirs like a nightmare?

Cutoff for Matchday 1 in Abaja!

Matchday 1 Results

Group A
Akrenea 78–72 Qasden
Mughals Royal 66–64 Lochario
Abaja 85–63 Aristian Republic

Group B
Drawkland 65–80 Abanhfleft
United States of Devonta 76–66 Mytanija
Viveksylvania 64–66 United Nations of Europa

Group C
Ethane 86–86 Natanians and Nosts (98–95 OT)
Shapoer 68–79 Newmanistan
Oscioru 91–86 One Jamaica

Group D
Digedingdangdong 78–71 The Aurian Plains
Free Republics 74–70 Lisander
Kandonica 69–75 Vakolicci Haven and Celeria

Tables to be included beginning MD2

by **Vangaziland** » Sat Apr 27, 2019 11:56 am

Vangaziland Royals National Basketball

Championship - IBC 26
Runner Up - IBC 19, IBC 24
Headquarters: Emeros, VNG
Regional Affiliation: Esportiva
Colors: Purple, Red, Black
Offense: Run & Gun, Pick & Roll Screens
Defense: Man-to-Man

Staff & Trainers
Head Coach - Kate Foyelson
Assistant Coach - Frank Hurcle (ret. #33)
Athletic Trainer - Devin Vann
Team Physician - Tia Weatherly

Starting
C - Art Vesuvian #44 - 7'2 - shooting center
PF - Juell Sampsen #40 - 6'10 - post game
SF - Christopher Ironwrought #32 - 6'8 - agile for his size, scorer
SG - Mark Ewingson #25 - 6'6 - scorer (C)
PG - Steven Eaglesen #2 - 6'2 - Jr. - floor general

Bench
PG - Sarah Overson #11 - 6'4 - fancy passer & dribbler
C - Raymond Vincent #30 - 7'0 - big, offensively and defensively
F/C - Moe Carter - #18 - 6'11 - rebound hound
F - D.J. Orion #67- 6'7 - unselfish swingman
F - Manny Battle #24 - 6'9 - post presence
G - Allan Clark #20 - 6'5 - smart shot selection
G - Jake Frost #3 - 6'5 - High Percentage 3

Sampsen

Ironwrought

Overson

Style: +5
Choose my Scorers: No
Choose Scoring Events: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes
RP Injuries to my Players: No
Godmod Injuries to my Players: No
Godmod Other Events: Yes
Give my players fouls: Yes
Foul my players out: No

by **Abaja** » Sat Apr 27, 2019 2:00 pm

Matchday 1 Cutoff - Filindostani Side
Hey, hey, hey, ladies and gents! IBC 27 has started for groups E-H!

Matchday 1 Results

Group E
Khytonya 66–90 Valanora
Mircea 66–79 Fdryden
Vangaziland 94–59 Jhalpharezi

Group F
Kita-Hinode 85–78 Bernegastad
Royal Kingdom of Quebec 92–60 North Quadana
Alpine Union 84–79 Pratapgadh

Group G
Valladares 68–72 Velstrania
Equestrian States 80–64 East Ares
Filindostan 78–51 Velestria

Group H
Crystalline Caverns 78–83 Banija
Northwest Kalactin 82–60 Pridnestrovia
Sajnur 79–67 Pius Desurongcrandis

by **Newmanistan** » Sat Apr 27, 2019 3:41 pm

THE ROCKET REPORT

THE GOLDEN, WHAT? PLUS, ROCKETS TAKE OPENER

by Taylor Larson,

I do not habitually read random blogs from other countries. It was brought to my attention that I should read a piece from blogger Corpsguy725, from Drawkland, because there are references to me inside of it. It is only natural then, that I did read the piece, and at first I note that the blogger points out how I was in my early days. Sure, and I still have the looks even now, my friend! Though anyway, he talks about sporting achievements and conveniently leaves out Newmanistan’s most successful sporting venture. That sport is painful for people from that country though, all you have to say is “10 to 3".

Corpsguy725 goes on to talk about the World Bowl. That’s fine, if you want to point out that the Rockets have never won that competition, then go right ahead. Newmanistan, as we know, has been successful in the World Bowl, doing everything but win a championship. Fair enough if you want to call us out on that, but instead he talks about some imaginary creation called the Golden Bowl. If you want to read about how this is progressed from nation to nation, you are free to bore yourself with that, though really only a Pocono City Tech alum would want to spend the time on it. Here is the thing though with the Golden Bowl: a “low” number from a nation that has participated in many World Bowls is just as complimentary as a high number, and I will tell you why. The only way that one can “swipe” the Golden Bowl away from a nation is to be in the same qualifying group as them, unless, by chance, you are lucky to meet that right nation in the playoffs at some point. That requires dominoes to fall that you have no control over, though. But let me go back to the first part, and were the majority of “points” in Golden Bowl progression are earned, and that is in the group stage. In order to attain the Golden Bowl in the group stage, you have to be in the qualifying group of the current Golden Bowl holder. The nation that ends up holding the Golden Bowl, is, more often then not, the reigning World Bowl champion, or a nation that went deep in the playoffs. Therefore, that nation is going to be in “pot 1" the next year. In order to play them that year, you can’t be a “pot 1" team yourself. Newmanistan, by often being a “pot 1" team, simply never was in opportunity where they could attain the Golden Bowl. So while this so called trophy is bragged about like it is something of value, bear that in mind. It has nothing to do with the sporting ability of a nation, and is why nations like Space or Sibirsky have had their chance to hold it as much as us, because they were not “pot 1" teams. We don’t really talk much about this trophy though, as really, who gives a damn?

As I was watching the Rockets win their opener 79-68 over Shapoer and Kenny Atwood leading the way with 26 points, and going 6-for-9 from three point land, I checked to see how much Drawkland won their game by. And they didn’t win at all! Actually, they got humbled by 15 points by Abanhfleft. The Fleftics are a tough opponent, obviously, and will be a tough group opposition for them, but that’s not the way to start things out.

Back to Drawkland, Corpsguy didn’t talk about baseball because he knows two things: 1) it is Newmanistan’s most dominant sport, with six World Baseball Classic titles and five additional runner ups and 2) Drawkland stinks it up pretty bad consistently, not just the one game where they blew a 10-3 lead. I give Drawkland props on one thing: they keep returning to the Classic. There are not many nations out there who consistently try everything. They are not ashamed to keep going back to that. They just like to conveniently forget that. We’ve done far more as a nation.

by **Kandonica** » Sat Apr 27, 2019 5:19 pm

Kandonican Basketball Report

By Joonas Hurst

The Kandonican National Basketball team participated in its first ever game today which ended in a loss of 75-69 to Vakolicci Haven and Celeria. Currently the nation does not expect much from the team and will be happy with any wins.

The game started out fast and Kandonica was not able to maintain any lead. Trailing by double digits at the half the young Kandonica team clawed their way back to bring it level in the last two minutes. They were shut out after that as Vakolicci Haven and Celeria scored the last six points.

In an interview with point guard Henlick Rondolf after the game, he said "We are just happy to be here. Basketball is not very popular in Kandonica and participating in these games could get some eyes on us".

by **Abaja** » Sat Apr 27, 2019 6:02 pm

Your Number One Source for Abajan News.

Old Man Welch Leads the Way for Abaja

Topic: Sports [Basketball]

Language: English | Swahili | Français | العربية | Britonish

Author: Amina Ogwu (@Ogwu_Amina)

Location: Abaja City, Abaja

Date: April 27, 2019

Thirty-four years? Not old at all! At least according to the Abajan assist general, Armani Welch, who led the Lions to an IBC XVII opening win against the Aristian Republic - whoever they are, anyway. Throughout the entire match, the ANBL veteran sliced up and ultimately diminished the entire Aristian team. Equally satisfying is that the new head coach of the Abajan Basketball Federation (ABF), Omondi Guandoya, started off his international coaching career with a victory. And was there any much doubt? Well, actually, I guess so. The Lions came into this tournament unranked, and due to that fact, many believed we wouldn't be able to pull off a win at home against a 26th-ranked Aristian Republic squad. This game, furthermore, has brought the people of Abaja extra hope of possibly making it out of the IBC group stage for the fifth time out of six appearances.

In Abaja's IBC history, they constantly improved, bit by bit. It was pretty amazing, actually. In our debut, IBC 17, we ended 3-5, being unable to reach the knockout rounds. That was the only time we were unable to reach the knockout rounds. In IBC 20, we made it to the round of sixteen but lost the best-of-three series 0-2 against the hosts Ceni. In IBC 21, we lost again in the round of sixteen, but this time we actually won a game - our first playoff victory. In IBC 22, we slapped everybody in the group stage, except Abanhfleft. They beat us twice. In the tournament, we finally won our first series against Drawkland, 76-74. Remember Saint Kanye? Yeah, they beat us next round, in the Quarters. Finally, in IBC 23, we made it not just to the round of sixteen, not just to the quarters, but to the semis! And guess what!? Yeah, we lost to Saint Kanye. However, we won the third place playoff against Ethane. IBC after IBC, from the 17th to 23rd edition, we got better. At this rate, we could have made it to the finals in IBC 24, and maybe not lose to Saint Kanye this time. If we participated in IBC 25, we might have been able to prevent Drawkland from getting a ring before we did.

It was a huge wonder about why and how Abaja suddenly stopped attending IBC tournaments after their huge success at IBC 23. There, they won bronze, the team's highest IBC achievement thus far. We would've ended up going to the finals if it weren't for that good-for-nothing Saint Kanye, who ended up winning the championship... Again. Why would they retire? I want revenge! Don't leave, damnit.

Well, those were the golden days. They're gone now. Or are they? Abaja's haters and doubters got a full spoon of "silent" after the unranked Lions were able to defeat the second highest-ranked team in Group A, the Aristian Republic. The Valkea Airlines Arena, home of the future ANBL team "Buhayra Northerners" was jam-packed with an enormous amount of Abajan spectators. The people sat, the players came. The anthems played, the crowd sang! The game began, the clock started. Welch passed to Olu, and he dunked on... Wait. Where the hell are your rosters, Aristian Republic?

Sigh. Now we don't know who got dunked on. Let's just call him player #4. Anyway, in the first quarter, Armani Welch and Joseph Olu both got off on a hot start. Throughout the first quarter minutes was a series of clicks between the big man and the small man. In the first quarter alone, Armani Welch and Joseph Olu combined for 17 points. By the end of the half, the duo scored 28 of Abaja's 44 points, and Armani Welch already had seven assists. Perhaps he was trying to make a statement early in the game that he was still the ANBL's best passer, despite the fact that he didn't lead the ANBL in assists this past season. By the end of the third quarter, Armani Welch had 23 of the Lions' 67 points. He didn't stop there, either. By the fourth quarter, he sliced through the defense, either looking for a pull up shot, a layup or an easy assist. The city of Buhayra celebrated, as the Lions pulled through with a convincing 85-63 victory over the Aristian Republic. Welch finished off with 35 points and 12 assists. What a game for him!

Oh yeah. Let's not forget about Jacob Nessal's horrendous performance. He was 1/12 from the field, I believe. The captain struggled from the start, missing all of his threes and only being able to score an open layup in the third quarter. He cherry-picked too. His other points came from the free throw line, as he was a perfect 4/4 from the line. After scoring six points, and committing three bad turnovers, the debate between whether Armani Welch or Jacob Nessal should lead the National Team continues to spark - in fact, it's a blaze at this point. "But Nessal led Abaja to their first bronze!" some say. Other people, however, believe that since Armani Welch is much more experienced at the game, and has "better leadership ability," he should lead the team. Well, in my opinion, if Welch continues to play like he did today, he for sure deserves the team captain rank.

FINAL

ABAJA 85 - 63 ARISTIAN REPUBLIC

A. Welch: 35 pts, 12 ast, 3 reb, 2 stl
J. Olu: 18 pts, 1 ast, 9 reb, 2 blk
M. Moussa: 10 pts, 4 ast, 2 reb, 1 stl
P. Mouyre: 7 pts, 6 ast, 5 reb, 1 blk
J. Nessal: 6 pts, 3 ast, 1 reb
C. Anele: 6 pts, 2 ast
S. Prince-Ochieng 3 pts, 3 reb

COMMENTS • 22,463
Top Comments • New Comments

Amanda Akosua - 4/27/19 @ 3:10 PM
We're unranked and we just beat a team by 22.
Reply • Like (8218) • Dislike (46)

Souleyman Oghenero - 4/27/19 @ 5:01 PM
Nessal is shit!
Reply • Like (7004) • Dislike (3131)

Amadi The Great - 4/27/19 @ 4:41 PM
Mike Obodoh - 4/21/19 @ 10:12 AM
Abaja messed up by deciding to host the IBC while unranked. Now they're gonna lose every game at home. What, you really think they're gonna come here and "whoop" somebody?

LMAO
Reply • Like (4822) • Dislike (61)

by **Jhalpharezi** » Sat Apr 27, 2019 6:25 pm

Jhalpharezi Spice

Starting
C - Ajeet Bagchi #33 - 6'11 - rebound hound
PF - Dwarkanath Kotal #42 - 6'10 - post game
SF - Shaan Barkat #30 - 6'7 - strong, aggressive
SG - Ravi Kusari #24 - 6'6 - scorer
PG - Dyal Naidu - #11 - 6'3 - pass first PG

Bench
C - Vishwajeet Majumder #40 - 6'11 - shot blocker
F/C - Raj Grewal #52 - 6'10 - strong, aggressive
F - Badal Bardhan #35 - 6'9 - post defense
F - Chatur Adwani #22 - 6'7 - speed
G - Mohinder Biju #4 - 6'5 - speed
G - Indrajit Qamar #3 - three point specialist
G - Mihir Mukherjee #7 - flashy passer

Head Coach - Birindar Gandhar
Assistant Coach - Abhi Bhatta

by **Mircea** » Sun Apr 28, 2019 4:43 am

Mircea fell 79-66 against fellow unranked team Fdryden in opening day action at IBC 27. "I think the loss was good for us. It helped our players adjust to the international spotlight and get the jitters out," stated Coach Bierele to the press after the game.

The game was kept close until midway through the 3rd quarter, when the Fire Ligers started to get into foul trouble. Frank Larksville was not a factor in the 4th quarter after fouling out. The same could be said one half of the Super Twins, Andrew Magee, who ended up fouling out in the 3rd quarter as well. Coach Bierele admitted that this was his fault, by not relying more on his reserves to come in and save guys in foul trouble until the 4th quarter.

Overall, the Fire Ligers were led by Allan Magee with 20 pts and 5 ast, while shooting 3-5 from 3pt range. Andrew Magee, before fouling out, had a double double with 15 pts and 10 rebs. Frank Larksville finished with 8 pts, 7 rebs, and 2 ast. Deshaun Foster had 7 pts. David Monk, who only played half the game due to knee soreness, scored 4 pts. Rounding out the scoring was Robert Falchek, Charles Warman, and Isaac Chamberlain, who scored 6, 4, and 2 pts respectively.

Coming up for the Fire Ligers is the unranked nation of Khytonya who fell in their first game 90-66 against Valanora. Mircean bookmakers currently are favoring the Fire Ligers by 4.5 with an over/under of 146 pts.

by **Filindostan** » Sun Apr 28, 2019 10:02 am

Matchday 2 Cutoff - Abajan Side
Are you choosing to win, to lose, or none of the above?

Matchday 2 Results

Group A
Qasden 97–79 Aristian Republic
Lochario 82–73 Abaja
Akrenea 87–94 Mughals Royal

  Group A                      Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Mughals Royal                  2    2   0   160  151   +9     2
2 Lochario                       2    1   1   146  139   +7     1
3 Akrenea                        2    1   1   165  166   −1     1
4 Abaja                          2    1   1   158  145  +13     1
5 Qasden                         2    1   1   169  157  +12     1
6 Aristian Republic              2    0   2   142  182  −40     0

Group B
Abanhfleft 92–71 United Nations of Europa
Mytanija 76–79 Viveksylvania
Drawkland 79–67 United States of Devonta

  Group B                      Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Abanhfleft                     2    2   0   172  136  +36     2
2 Drawkland                      2    1   1   144  147   −3     1
3 United Nations of Europa       2    1   1   137  156  −19     1
4 Viveksylvania                  2    1   1   143  142   +1     1
5 United States of Devonta       2    1   1   143  145   −2     1
6 Mytanija                       2    0   2   142  155  −13     0

Group C
Natanians and Nosts 83–84 One Jamaica
Newmanistan 75–62 Oscioru
Ethane 59–73 Shapoer

  Group C                      Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Newmanistan                    2    2   0   154  130  +24     2
2 Shapoer                        2    1   1   141  138   +3     1
3 Oscioru                        2    1   1   153  161   −8     1
4 One Jamaica                    2    1   1   170  174   −4     1
5 Ethane                         2    1   1   157  168  −11     1
6 Natanians and Nosts            2    0   2   178  182   −4     0

Group D
The Aurian Plains 72–81 Vakolicci Haven and Celeria
Lisander 83–74 Kandonica
Digedingdangdong 60–74 Free Republics

  Group D                      Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Free Republics                 2    2   0   148  130  +18     2
2 Vakolicci Haven and Celeria    2    2   0   156  141  +15     2
3 Lisander                       2    1   1   153  148   +5     1
4 Digedingdangdong               2    1   1   138  145   −7     1
5 Kandonica                      2    0   2   143  158  −15     0
6 The Aurian Plains              2    0   2   143  159  −16     0

by **The Aurian Plains** » Sun Apr 28, 2019 12:29 pm

Yellow City Plain Truth Gazette

The Aurian Plains' initial foray into international sports has yet to yield victory two matches into their Group D schedule under the Flash Garden lights in Ikeland, Abaja.

Their debut match saw them hang tight with Digedingdangdong throughout most of the tilt, though Digedingdangdong rattled off a late 11-3 run in the final three minutes to lock down the game 78-71. The Golden Foxes were led in the match by Ulysses Eakins, picking up 19 points, 3 rebounds and 8 assists in his debut, including going 3/3 from the free-throw line and 3/7 on three-point attempts. His absence in the third quarter was felt as he earned his fourth foul 6 minutes into the second half, opening the door for Digedingdangdong to rally back from as far as 10 down.

Digedingdangdong's Heinz Brautwurstindeinsauerkraut started for the opposition, scoring a game-high 24 points, 5 rebounds, 11 assists and picking up 3 steals while only committing two personal fouls, including 4/9 from three and scoring or assisting the final 9 points to ice the match. Dagua Zhen pulled up some defensive flair of her own, rejecting six shots in the lane and contributing 11 points on offense, 13 rebounds on both ends and 2 assists. Thomas Tanzdentod featured in the play of the game, coming off the bench to lay down an alley-oop dunk off a pass from Brautwurstindeinsauerkraut, slamming it home over Foxes center Kaleb Costanza.

From today's action, the team could not close a gap that lingered all game long as Greater Vakolicci Haven, ranked 20th in the world, jumped out to an early 15-3 lead, never looked back, and never let Aurian Plains within one possession in the Foxes' second defeat 81-72.

Hiram Flots was player of the game for The Commonwealth, scoring 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, recording the first triple-double in the young basketball federation's history. His stardom was not enough to win the day, however, as others' dry spells were ill-timed, including Eakins going 0-13 from 5:00 left in the first to 2:43 left inthe third before he finally layed up in the paint for a field goal. Desperation fouls started early and sealed their fates, with Eakins, Costanza, Jessie Mathers and Taruk Kalamba all fouling out in a bid to move the game faster in the fourth quarter.

Head coach Guy Crenshaw spoke to the media for the first time this tournament. He commented on his thoughts from the first two games in group play.

"Obviously, you never wanna lose," Crenshaw opened. "We knew we were going to face stiff competition from the start because this was the first time we were playing the best of the best, and seeing just how big life outside the pond is.

"My guys have a lot of heart, they are passionate about being the first to play for their country. I will never accuse them of not working hard. Everyone works hard at this level. Over the time we have, we will need to address late-game tactics, recognizing slumps, go over reading opposing tactics, and not letting the stage get to these guys.

"This exposure is what they signed up for, and the tournament has begun. We figure out how to tighten up out there or we're going to be figuring out our travel arrangements to go home around matchday 7 or 8. I love these guys, though they need to hear it straight. Our goal is to win every game. That's the only way we get better."

Crenshaw and company will hit the court again tomorrow against fourth-ranked Free Republics, followed by 15th-ranked Lisander on Tuesday, and wrapping up the first half of group play Wednesday against Kandonica before the teams take a travel day break to shift the second half action to Zorgadi Air Arena in Olulawi.

by **Abaja** » Sun Apr 28, 2019 2:00 pm

Matchday 2 Cutoff - Filindostani Side
Another day, another cutoff for match day 2!

Matchday 2 Results

Group E
Valanora 79–84 Jhalpharezi
Fdryden 70–78 Vangaziland
Khytonya 64–91 Mircea

  Group E               Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts                                
1 Vangaziland             2    2   0   172  129  +43     6  
2 Valanora                2    1   1   169  150  +19     3 
3 Mircea                  2    1   1   157  143  +14     3  
4 Fdryden                 2    1   1   149  144   +5     3     
5 Jhalpharezi             2    1   1   143  173  −30     3   
6 Khytonya                2    0   2   130  181  −51     0

Group F
Bernegastad 60–81 Pratapgadh
North Quadana 59–69 Alpine Union
Kita-Hinode 63–72 Royal Kingdom of Quebec

  Group F                     Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts                                
1 Royal Kingdom of Quebec       2    2   0   164  123  +41     6
2 Alpine Union                  2    2   0   153  138  +15     6 
3 Pratapgadh                    2    1   1   160  144  +16     3
4 Kita-Hinode                   2    1   1   148  150   −2     3 
5 Bernegastad                   2    0   2   138  166  −28     0
6 North Quadana                 2    0   2   119  161  −42     0

Group G
Velstrania 69–62 Velestria
East Ares 71–103 Filindostan
Valladares 67–67 Equestrian States (88–83 OT)

  Group G               Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts                         
1 Filindostan             2    2   0   181  122  +59     6
2 Velstrania              2    2   0   141  130  +11     6 
3 Equestrian States       2    1   1   163  152  +11     3 
4 Valladares              2    1   1   156  155   +1     3  
5 Velestria               2    0   2   113  147  −34     0  
6 East Ares               2    0   2   135  183  −48     0

Group H
Banija 75–55 Pius Desurongcrandis
Pridnestrovia 73–57 Sajnur
Crystalline Caverns 70–74 Northwest Kalactin

  Group H                  Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts                            
1 Northwest Kalactin         2    2   0   156  130  +26     6
2 Banija                     2    2   0   158  133  +25     6 
3 Sajnur                     2    1   1   136  140   −4     3 
4 Pridnestrovia              2    1   1   133  139   −6     3 
5 Crystalline Caverns        2    0   2   148  157   −9     0
6 Pius Desurongcrandis       2    0   2   122  154  −32     0

by **Vangaziland** » Sun Apr 28, 2019 2:46 pm

Many eyes were turned towards Vangaziland at the start of IBC 27. The Royals finally broke out from two runner up performances to win a title last season. It came during a time of upheaval within the league. A changeover that had been gradually building finally brought a new generation of International Basketball Championships' basketball.

After the game between the two Vannish territories ran away, Mark Ewingson was left to describe the game in front of the cameras. Vangaziland beat Jhalpharezi 94-59. The latter team is located in the region of India proper. The 'Spice' are made up of a diverse array of people, ranging from Bengali to Pashtun.

Vangaziland's shooting guard looked calm after the game, chewing on bright neon bubble gum. It's brand had taken off in popularity since the last summer Olympiad and the cheer fiasco that ensued. Mark Ewingson seemed to lean back as he towered over the golden haired reporter set to interview him. She asked the company executives if she could wear heels, to boost her from her 5'11 height. They cited the team's shorter point guards might feel uncomfortable. She replied by saying Sarah Overson was already taller than both of them anyway.

"Mark, how does it feel to get back on the court?" Bekah Varlane moved to VSN after working for a rival network. This is her first season covering the IBC.

"Um. You know... It's like it always it." The shooter with a voracious appetite for scoring points seemed to stall on his words before truly answering the question. In truth, he was thinking of how to answer. "It was great to get back on the international stage. Everybody is pumped about this season. Our team already has postseason thoughts."

"Tell us about your performance tonight. 24 points. 4 assists. 5 rebounds. Some say you can do more. What is your approach on a night by night basis?" She looked up at Ewingson, dressed in the Vangaziland Royals' dark indigo jersey. The Jhalpharezi Spice wore their orange unis, making the night a colorful affair.

"Well. It's like... You have to get the team involved. I'm not going to shy away from taking a shot. If I can make an extra pass and hook someone up, then it's all good. We have to flow together. To vibe as a team."

"You sound like you're trying to put the team first. This is your first season as the Captain of the Royals. Is this a new outlook for you?"

"I mean it is what it is". Ewingson continued to stall before each answer out of habit. It would be easy for certain people to judge him based on his manner of speaking. The truth was that he understood the sport in a way which showed more intelligence than a strict adherence to proper diction. Ewingson wasn't just a good player He was a generational talent. Some believe Vangaziland would have never won a championship without him. "I've always put the team first. The thing is that I've been on teams where I've had to shoulder more of the load. Our team is more deep now than it was five seasons ago. It sucks that we didn't get to face the top challenge."

In some nations, a story has been spun that the Saint Kanye Yeezies may be the top team in recent history. This was true in the raw skill they amassed, yet any IBC analyst would gladly point out that skill does not translate to success. Despite this, the Yeezies amassed four titles before gracefully bowing out. The issue Vangaziland's athletes had is that they didn't want STK to pull their national program.

"Speaking of that", said the reporter as she tossed massive curls of flaxen hair from her eye. "Do you think winning the title without a Yeezy presence diminishes the team's accomplishments?"

"Man.. Hell naw." Ewingson emphasized the second word. It was his natural reaction, not an overdramatized statement of hype. "We were praying for a series against them. They had the edge. It didn't matter. We were set. It was all good to go. When I was signed, coach Foyle told me all about how I would be the final piece to turn the tide... Then they just bounced like...." He paused midsentence, shaking hands with Steven Eaglesen who was moving past. "The same result that happened last season would have happened with or without them."

"What about this season? Who are the toughest teams out there?"

Ewingson's expression turned into a half smile. "Well we didn't forget about certain nations trying to talk smack during the last playoffs. They'll try to push back. Newanistan and Drawkland are two teams on the rise."

The interview ended soon afterwards. Mark jogged off the court to the cheers of the Vannish fans that made the trip. With the popularity of the sport in Vangaziland, a Vannish presence was to be expected. Hometown locals may drown them out, but the Vangazi will make themselves known.

Jhalpharezi's players looked defeated after the match. Their best scorer, Ravi Kusari was limited to 14 points. He managed no assists, joing most of the Spice's backcourt in difficulty finding room. Tight defense even limited team chances at the free throw line. Mark Ewingson showed he could play both sides of the court by shutting down the colony.

With Vangaziland's offensive style, Ewingson might have a tough time guarding somebody as talented as himself. This was a chance Jhalpharezi did not provide.

by **Velestria** » Sun Apr 28, 2019 6:08 pm

AL DYZAGHON
THE VELISH BASKETBALL NATIONAL TEAM

POS.	#	NAME			G	AGE	TEAM
PG	13	Jackson JAMES		M	29	Hampton Raiders
PG	00	Tyler BAILEY		M	29	Hartford City Royals
PG	11	Josh COLE           	M	20	Peachtree Hawks
SG	17	Lewis Jenkins		M	29	Cloudshire United
SG	03	Zac LOWE            	M	20	Peachtree Hawks
SG	24	ELLIS WARD        	M	26	Grady Roughriders
SF	13	Luca COLLINS		M	28	Hartford City Royals
SF	22	Adam CHAMBERS		M	27	Resurgence Calix
SF	33	Jamie JONES		M	26	Cloudshire United
PF	34	Samuel GALLAGHER	M	23	Resurgence Calix
PF	07	Frankie LAWRENCE	M	30	Battlebrook Vipers
PF	04	Matthew SUTTON		M	33	Warshire Wolves
C	21	Henry ROBERTSON		M	24	Cloudshire United
C	15	Elliot ATKINSON		M	23	Warshire Wolves
C	16	Tyler GRIFFITHS		M	24	Hampton Raiders
MAN.	--	Owen STEPHENSON		M	49	Resurgence Calix [Style: 0]

RP PERMISSIONS
Idc don’t kill them.

by **Crystalline Caverns** » Sun Apr 28, 2019 6:14 pm

Ces Bâtards Froids

##|POS- SURNAME,NAME|AGE

 1|C- Furi,Paul|20
13|C- Ornayte,Tauris|26
17|C/F- Levanic,James|31

 4|F- Auberge,Grand|?? [CAPTAIN]
 ∞|F- Dexterity,Malice|38
22|F- Marksmann,Griz|25 [Designated Bearded Player]

 3|G- Pfappernapperkoffenheim,Mist|18
 5|G- Romanade,Claude|25
77|G- Evans,Seth|27
 9|G- Rexly,Chex|30
11|G- Lore,Calissa|24
34|G- Glacies,Mike|19

STARTING V

RP Permissions

As long as it ain't killing or ending the careers of my players, feel free to do whatever.

by **Digedingdangdong** » Sun Apr 28, 2019 9:58 pm

‭"Ugh, this is humiliating!" Zhen Dagua complained as she staggered off the court, panting and sweaty after a hectic game.

‭"It's not that bad," Valeria Vieleliebe said reassuringly. "The Free Republics are supposed to be the best team in our group. The other games will be easier!"

‭"I didn't mean losing," said Zhen. "I mean our uniforms. How is anyone supposed to take us seriously when we're wearing this?" She gestured at her sparkling rhinestone bikini top and ample cleavage. "We look ridiculous, and people keep giving me weird looks."

‭"Did you even watch the Olympics?" said Vieleliebe. "Did you see what the opening ceremony was like? I bet the fans in the Free Republics can't get enough of us. It's really cool to meet people from another country that appreciates culture like we do! Even if their uniforms aren't as fabulous as ours..."

‭"Val, this is not fabulous!" Zhen insisted. "This is demeaning!"

‭"So... what? You want to wear some boring jersey?" said Vieleliebe. "Where's your national pride?"

‭Zhen sighed. "You know there's more to life than making people ogle you," she said. "We don't need all that glitz and glam to have national pride. Even our names..." She shook her head. "I'd be prouder if we were getting noticed for something other than our skanky uniforms."

by **Pratapgadh** » Sun Apr 28, 2019 10:34 pm

Sports
Basketball

Pratapgadh defeated Bernegasted!

Written by Rajeev Chauhan

The Pratapgadh National Basketball Team have won their match against Bernegasted, after being defeated by Alpine Union in Matchday 1. Pratapgadh did play very well against Alpine Union but fell just short scoring 79 points against Alpine Union who had scored 84 points. But this one is about the match against Bernegasted, another unranked team. Pratapgadh has scored 81 points, beating Bernegastad who have scored 61 points

Mukut Jadeja, captain of the Pratapgadhi team, has scored a total of 40 points in the game and Hari Dhalawat has scored a total of 23 points. The Pratapgadhi side not only did very well at offence, but was also good at defence. Pratapgadh also played very well against Alpine Union, I feel like Pratapgadh has a chance to play in the round of sixteen.

I met Mukut Jadeja and also met the coach, Devilal Bajla. I asked the coach for his opinion on this match, he said "The boys played very well, we scored a lot of points and also defended very well. We just need to continue this amount of effort and teamwork and we will definitely have a chance to play in the round of sixteen." I also asked Mukut Jadeja how he felt after the match finished, "Oh it felt great! Great effort, everybody contributed to the team. I don't know what to say, it is just that great."

The team will face Kita-Hinode next, they are ranked 18th. So I hope Pratapgadh does well against these guys too. Whatever the result, best of luck Pratapgadh!

by **Mircea** » Mon Apr 29, 2019 6:04 am

Arena Olahraga Yogyakulta - The unranked Mircean Fire Ligers showed the world that they are no easy out when it comes to IBC 27. After a disappointing showing in their first group game vs. Fdryden. The Fire Ligers rebounded to a dominating 91-64 victory vs Khytonya. Andrew Magee, who dominated the game, stated, "Ever since signing up for the IBC, we knew that making an impact was possible. We are here to stay and show the world what Mircean basketball is all about!".

Mircea started the game off on a 12-0 run and never looked back. Khytonya never got within 10 pts and trailed the whole game. Mircea was simply able to do as they please with Khytonya. The Magee Twins were the biggest stars of the day combining for 37 pts, 14 rebs, 6 ast, and 6 blocks. Frank Larksville, while quiet offensively, helped under the basket with 12 rebounds. Additionally, the Mircean bench gained some great experience playing extended minutes in the blowout victory and chipped in 31 pts.

Up next for Mircea is 7th ranked Valanora. Coach Beirele believes this will be a true test, now that the pressure of getting an IBC victory is off their back. Mirceans are beaming with national pride and are expected to gather en masse to watch the game vs. Valanora this evening.

Mircean bookmakers expect a close and low scoring affair with an over/under of 152 and Valanora favored by 3.

Mircea vs. Khytonya box score

Fire Ligers Box Score

Player	Pts	Reb	Ast	Blocks
Starters
Deshaun Foster	8	1	8	0
Allan Magee	15	4	4	1
David Monk	10	3	2	0
Frank Larksville	5	12	6	2
Andrew Magee	22	10	2	5

Bench
Charles Warman	10	2	2	0
Stanley Stanitis	0	1	1	0
Jon Jeffries	0	0	2	0
William Gouldstone	4	1	1	0
Isaac Chamberlain	6	1	0	0
Gary Kozoloski	5	3	0	0
Robert Falchek	6	8	3	2

works? · by **Abanhfleft** » Mon Apr 29, 2019 8:21 am

Some people just don't know when to quit.

Fortunately for Abanhfleft, five of those people who didn't know when to quit were the starting players of their national basketball team. Leonidas Baxter, Newton Isaacs, Boris Barry, Jan Harris, and Dylan Kapowski; they were all renowned for their ability and capacity to always find that little bit extra in them to push their team beyond their own limits. This ability had served them all well back when they all still had what it takes to compete on both the local and international stage. But as with all things, age had caught up with them and they discovered that, while their drive to push themselves beyond their own capacities was still there, their own bodies' abilities to perform had departed them, and so much as they tried they couldn't perform the same skills, tricks, and magic that they used to.

Nowhere was this more painfully obvious than in the 26th International Basketball Championships. This was the tournament where the Rebolusyonaryos' spark well and truly went out. On the surface, it looked like business as usual for the blue, orange and green, but underneath it all were the dark currents of age and expectation no longer able to meet in the middle, so to speak. Abanhfleft made it through the first six games of the group stage unbeaten. But in these same games, teams like Halfdansodal and the Free Republics were able to edge close to the Rebolusyonaryos. The Fleftics were able to claw their way out of trouble in those two games, and by the time the first game against the Equestrian States was over, it seemed as if normal programming had resumed. But that was all an illusion. Sure, Abanhfleft took a victory over the Aristian Republic a second time as well (this time with Equestrian officials taking over the running of the tournament because for some reason the Qads officials had elected to down tools and initiate a strike right then and there) but then Nicana took their second game against the Rebs 71-65. It was a result that was enough to stun an entire nation.

But that was just a one-off thing, the fans shrugged. Surely the team will be able to bounce back stronger than ever as a result of this shock defeat. And they were right, in a way. Abanhfleft did bounce back, thrashing Halfdansodal 80-66. And then the bombshell. Abanhfleft 53, Free Republics 95. It was an absolute embarrassment for the whole of Fleftic basketball fandom, no getting around it. So now the impetus was all on Abanhfleft, the Rebolusyonaryos, to defeat the Equestrian States once again and make it into the playoffs. Because that was the situation that they were facing, win or go home. The winner of their matchup will make it through to the playoffs while the loser will rue being so close and yet so far.

It was a very tight and close affair. The lead kept switching between the two teams a dozen times a dozen (maybe 144 times was a bit of an exaggeration but there was definitely a lot of lead-switching). Of course, all this appeared to be setting up the stage for a grand ending for the Rebolusyonaryos, with the boys in blue looking to pull yet another miracle and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. It really did look that way. The Equestrians had a three-point lead with only three and a half seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter. Abanhfleft had used their final timeout, and as always it was Leo Baxter who was going to inbound the ball. Newt Isaacs stood ready at his usual place beyond the arc at the top of the key, the place where he had made many a clutch triple both for club and country. The other players were also drifting in and out of the three-point arc, acting as backup options should Leo fail to find Newt. But Leo had never failed to find Newt in this particular play before; surely he wouldn't miss the tall blonde bastard now?

Except that was what almost happened. Leonidas Baxter almost failed to find Newton Isaacs at the top of the key in the final moments of the fourth quarter with Abanhfleft behind by three points. Leo passed the ball just a little bit too far to the left of Newt, who even with his long wingspan still had to reach out to grab at it, and that almost forced the ball into the backcourt. Newt was able to catch the ball just before it crossed the line, but it cost them valuable seconds and milliseconds, and by the time Newt was comfortable with the ball he had been forced out of his preferred shooting range by the Equestrian defenders. Newt heaved the ball over to Leo, who was a good three-point shooter himself but was not as consistent in the clutch from downtown as Newt was. But he was the second-best option, and without even dribbling Leo lifted the ball over his head and heaved for the basket.

Clang! No miracle comeback for Abanhfleft this time around.

Some people just don't know when to quit. Unfortunately for Abanhfleft, five of those people were the starting members of their IBC 26 roster. But after that moment, the truth finally dawned upon them, and all five players announced their retirements from international basketball as soon as the plane from Qasden had landed in Riuwiee.

Out with the old, in with the new. But could the new bloods, the young guns, make an impact in the international stage like their predecessors had? Only time will tell.

by **Filindostan** » Mon Apr 29, 2019 10:12 am

Matchday 3 Cutoff - Abajan Side
Who''ll go up, and who'll go down after three matchdays?

Matchday 3 Results

Group A
Mughals Royal 77–87 Qasden
Abaja 90–78 Akrenea
Aristian Republic 85–68 Lochario

  Group A                      Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Qasden                         3    2   1   256  234  +22     2
2 Abaja                          3    2   1   248  223  +25     2
3 Mughals Royal                  3    2   1   237  238   −1     2
4 Aristian Republic              3    1   2   227  250  −23     1
5 Lochario                       3    1   2   214  224  −10     1
6 Akrenea                        3    1   2   243  256  −13     1

Group B
United States of Devonta 67–79 Abanhfleft
Viveksylvania 78–94 Drawkland
United Nations of Europa 117–82 Mytanija

  Group B                      Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Abanhfleft                     3    3   0   251  203  +48     3
2 United Nations of Europa       3    2   1   254  238  +16     2
3 Drawkland                      3    2   1   238  225  +13     2
4 United States of Devonta       3    1   2   210  224  −14     1
5 Viveksylvania                  3    1   2   221  236  −15     1
6 Mytanija                       3    0   3   224  272  −48     0

Group C
Shapoer 61–78 Natanians and Nosts
Oscioru 61–70 Ethane
One Jamaica 66–77 Newmanistan

  Group C                      Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Newmanistan                    3    3   0   231  196  +35     3
2 Ethane                         3    2   1   227  229   −2     2
3 Oscioru                        3    1   2   214  231  −17     1
4 One Jamaica                    3    1   2   236  251  −15     1
5 Natanians and Nosts            3    1   2   256  243  +13     1
6 Shapoer                        3    1   2   202  216  −14     1

Group D
Free Republics 69–57 The Aurian Plains
Kandonica 81–73 Digedingdangdong
Vakolicci Haven and Celeria 76–79 Lisander

  Group D                      Pld    W   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts 
1 Free Republics                 3    3   0   217  187  +30     3
2 Lisander                       3    2   1   232  224   +8     2
3 Vakolicci Haven and Celeria    3    2   1   232  220  +12     2
4 Kandonica                      3    1   2   224  231   −7     1
5 Digedingdangdong               3    1   2   211  226  −15     1
6 The Aurian Plains              3    0   3   200  228  −28     0

by **Banija** » Mon Apr 29, 2019 11:09 am

Banija Men's National Basketball Team

As presented by the Olympic Committee of Banija

Information
Country code: BNJ
Denonym: Banijan
Nickname: The Lions
Head Coach: Isaiah Lavaga
Assistant Head Coach: Oscar Laboto
Captain: Saihou Jallow.
Jerseys designed gratefully by Filindostan!

Away Jerseys

HomeJerseys

RP Permissions
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my Scorers: Yes
Choose Scoring Events: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: No
RP Injuries to my Players: Yes(please specify the amount of time that they will miss).
Godmod Injuries to my Players: No
Godmod Other Events: No
Style Modifier: +3

*Only Secka, Bartaba, Nabongo, and Ontambu return from IBC 26.

Starting Lineup
PG #2 Amadou Secka. 6'3. 27 years old. Only returning starter from IBC 26 team. Team's best player- can create his own shot, very quick. Almost automatic from the free throw line. Defensive liability.Captain.
SG #5 Saihou Uster. 6'4. 24 years old. Runs around like crazy, relentless motor. Team's best perimeter defender, team's best spot up shooter. Is a poor isolation player and struggles to create his own shot.
SF #23 Wassa Itraba. 6'6. 28 years old. A poor outside shooter, but quality rebounder, ball handler, and very skilled at taking the ball to the rim. Often overpowers weaker opposition to the rim. A big fan of the midrange game.
PF #36 Ilman Corr. 6'8. 29 years old. A classic stretch four. While known to get into foul trouble, so the coach must stagger minutes effectively. Effective three point shooter.
C #10 Sadio Bartaba. 6'11. 22 years old. Second IBC appearance. First IBC appearance as a starter. The team's best rebounder and most physical player- the emotional heart of this team.

Bench
C #13 Karamo Turay. 7'0. 30 years old. The team's only 7 footer. Does not stretch the floor, but helps rebound and spell the rest of the front court. He is the team's best shot blocker by a significant margin.
PG #3 Ibezimako Akabueze. 6'1. 19 years old. Led University of Moravica to appearance in NSCAA 10 Championship Game. Known for quick transition plays.
PF/SF #4 Labanzi Nabongo. 6'7. 23 years old. Second IBC appearance. Will play the center position when the team wants to engage in small ball. Very physical player, even for his size.
SG #12 Janko Jawo. 6'5. 25 years old. Highly energetic, quality perimeter defender. An offensive liability.
SF #14 Hassan Kama. 6'6. 32 years old. A capable bench player of putting in quality minutes. Said to have the opposite of a clutch gene.
PF/SF #9 Yaya Karbgo. 6'8. 31 years old. Old, grizzled veteran. Defensive specialist.
PG/SG #7 Olayod Ontambu. 6'2. 33 years old. Smaller and quick. Will come in for a couple of minutes every so often, and often times for mop-up duty.

Closeout Lineup - This is the five that the team will use at the end of close games, their so-called best lineup.
PG #2 Amadou Secka. 6'3. 27 years old. Captain.
SG #5 Saihou Uster. 6'4. 24 years old.
SF #23 Wassa Itraba. 6'6. 28 years old.
PF #4 Labanzi Nabongo. 6'7. 23 years old.
C #36 Ilman Corr. 6'8. 29 years old.

Notes:
- We almost always play a 1-3-1 zone defense. It works well with this team, which has lots of size, and is getting faster, especially at guard.
- This team is built very different from past teams. They space the floor much better, and though Itraba is a ball stopper, they have spread the floor with a lot of players who can hit jumpers, especially three pointers. They also like to play fast.
- This team will run at almost any chance they get. While rebounding, especially on defense, is the team's weakest link, when they do get a rebound, they are able to push the ball, and so quickly.
- For the group stages, this team's rotation runs 10-12 deep, as they will almost certainly shorten the rotation to 8 players come the knockout stages. But for now, he wants to get everybody playing time, and give the starters rest for the later stages of this tournament.

Recent History
The recent history of the national basketball team, or the Lions, has to start with Banija’s return to the international fray in the 24th IBCs- when they first made a name for themselves on the international stage. With Alonzo Busk hired as the head coach, and their play centered around their star front court players, the pair of 7’2 foot twin brothers, this was a team that won with a front court based game. The two were quality free throw shooters for their size, of course, and they stunned everyone in the IBCs by even getting out of their group, finishing with a 7-3 record in IBC 24 after starting 0-2.

They then made a deep run into the tournament, until they ran into the buzzsaw of St.Kanye- who beat them in the semifinals en route to their third IBC championship in a row. Running into one of the sport’s all-time great teams, things seemed to be looking up for the Lions. And then, came IBC 25- the first time they truly faced disappointment. On home soil, in a tournament co-hosted with Filindostan, they went 10-0 In the group stages, emerging as a favorite to cut down the nets in Filindostan. However, for them, they ran into Drawkland, who stunned Banijan fans by pasting the Lions by 20 on their home floor, en route to winning the tournament themselves.

After that, the team got their first major trophy- winning the Gold medal at the Commonwealth Games for the men. That gave them hope flying into IBC 27, and they did well in that tournament, winning their group for the second straight tournament, this time from Pot 2, and getting into the knockouts. They ran into the defending champs, Drawkland, in the quarterfinals, and that was the end of the run for the Lions.

Three IBCs, three knockout stage appearances, three knockout victories- not a bad run for Alonzo Busk. But it was all a disaster at the Olympics. They went 3-3 in the group stages at the REpublica Olympiad, the Savaneh twins swan song with the Lions. And that was it for that iteration of the squad. The Savaneh twins retired, and Alonzo Busk, the head coach, resigned after the Olympiad, saying that it was time for a new era of Banijan basketball to commence.

And this is the beginning of that era. With a new head coach in Isaiah Lavaga, they run a different kind of offense entirely- the team running through a pair of quick, quality guards. They shoot a ton of 3s, and try to stretch the floor- almost the opposite of teams past. And with their #4 ranking in the IBC standings, the expectations for this team are extremely high- with even Lavaga himself saying that anything less than a quarterfinal appearance, with the talent on this team, would be ‘a failure’. Can this new style of more offensively focused basketball bring the Banijans what they’ve fallen short of in the last three iterations of this tournament- gold?

by **Digedingdangdong** » Mon Apr 29, 2019 11:20 am

‭The Digedingdangdonglinger national basketball team was in the locker room getting ready for their next game. "I know it's hard to play your best when we're all bored to tears..." their coach was saying.

‭Bored to tears? Heinz Bratwurstindeinsauerkraut thought. He was having a great time. During the day he got to play basketball and at night he got to sleep like a log. The hotel in Ikeland was wonderfully quiet, no throbbing music shaking the walls the way it did almost everywhere in Digedingdangdong. In the mornings, he woke up feeling refreshed and energetic, ready to take on the world. The coach's attempt at pep talk did nothing to help him, but he didn't need a pep talk when he already felt so good.

He scored 23 points and the Kandonicans didn't seem to be able to do much to slow him down.

‭Unfortunately, some of his teammates were sluggish and sloppy. Heidi Honigkuchen seemed bored, like the coach had said, but Zhen Dagua seemed to be more than just bored. She was really down, and her defense had gone all to hell, even compared to the way she was playing just a few days ago. Eventually she got benched, but the Kandonicans already had a 13 point lead by then. The Digedingdangdonglinge gained back a few of those points, but couldn't pull off a win.

‭After the game, he asked Zhen, "Are you okay?"

‭"No," said Zhen. "You know we're a laughingstock."

‭"Laughter is good for the soul," said Bratwurstindeinsauerkraut. "If people are laughing at us, then we're doing a public service. Sports are entertainment. It's not all about winning every game or never letting anyone see you look stupid. It's about having fun and putting on a good show." He smiled and put his arm around her back in a way that he hoped was reassuring. "You'll enjoy yourself more if you relax a little."

by **Lisander** » Mon Apr 29, 2019 11:55 am

Lisander Basketball Federation
International Basketball Championships 27 - Team Info

Nickname: Arminhos (Stoats)
Style Modifier: +2
Rank: 15th (11.500)
IBC Record: 12 - 9

About Lisander Basketball
Basketball is a sport with a quite slow growing curve. Not so slow as baseball or Gridiron Football, but not so fast as Rugby. After Lisander Rugby Union, Liga Nacional de Hóquei and Lisanderian Football Federation, Lisanderian Basketball Federation was the fourth selected sports federation to receive money from Ministry of Sport.They presented a consistent plan, enjoyed the power of media and sponsors and started to dig up a little place to plant the seeds of its evolution.

In the process of joining to the International Community of the sport, the Lisander Basketball Federation already hosted the IUBC Finals, while, locally, FLB started its national professional championship, the Superliga. At the same time, FLB is partnering with National Academic League (LAN) to have competitive college teams. Hosting the IBC 27 was in the plans of FLB, but the joint bid with Velestrian Basketball Federation was defeated by Abaja and Filindostan bid.

Yet, the prospects are positive. If they manage well the resources, both financial and human, Lisander Basketball may be as great as rugby in some seasons. We can even dream with a veteran Eric Hahn lifting the trophy in IBC 29.

Group Stage
TBC

Tournament Expectations
A third-place in the group would be enough, but if Lisander reach the knockout stages, it will be a great victory.

Roster

#	Name			Pos	Team
4	Raphael Allion		SG	BC Olympia
5	Henrique Conti		PG	Casterwill Roses
6	Kevan Ellis		G	AA Portia
7	Athos Anger		F	Casterwill Roses
8	Laurent Oyon		PF	AS Virtus 1904
9	Guilherme Savin		C	BC Olympia
10	Eric Hahn		PF	BC Olympia
11	Tiago Howells		SG	AC Kasandora
12	Felipe Frièse		SF	Libertas Basketball
13	Lisandro Montagne	C	Casterwill Roses
14	Filipe Negromonte	SF	Casterwill Roses
15	Damian Michaelichen	PG	Libertas Basketball

Staff

Head Coach	Hélder Machado
Assist.Coach	Patrick Sousa

Depth Chart

Starters: Conti, Howells, Negromonte, Hahn, Savin
Interchange: Michaelichen, Allion, Frièse, Oyon, Montagne
Reserves: Ellis, Anger

Uniforms
Current uniforms are manufactured by Neo, a Lisanderian Sports Brand. Neo produces under the guise of Guilde des Graphistes de Lisander. Neo also produced IBC 27 uniforms for Aristian Republic, Mughals Royal, Lochario and Mircea.

International Basketball Championships 27 - IC Thread

Mircea Sports Report

Mircea Sports Report - Day 2

Who is online

Position	Starters	Bench	Reserve
C	Hari	Paul	Angge
PF	Iman	Anteny	Firman
SF	Sandro	S	Keturah
SG	Star	Jenny	Esau
PG	Ricki	Abdel	Joma